Tactical Apparatus and Method for Mounting a Multi-Cartridge Firing Electric Discharge Weapon

ABSTRACT

Embodiments include an apparatus having a frame, at least one handle, a control housing, and a mounting plate wherein a plurality of firing cartridges from a multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon may mounted on the mounting plate, permitting an available multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon to be converted from a fixed or vehicle mounted position to a hand-carried position where it may be carried, aimed, and fired as a conventional weapon. Certain embodiments disclose a rail system permitting handles and accessories to be mounted thereupon and used in conjunction with the mounted electric discharge weapon. A method for converting a multi-cartridge firing electrical discharge weapon from a fixed or vehicle-mounted status to a hand-carryable status.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/026,288 filed Feb. 13, 2011, entitled TACTICAL APPARATUS AND METHODFOR MOUNTING A MULTI-CARTRIDGE FIRING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE WEAPON, whichis currently pending, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e),to U.S. Provisional Application 61/304,433, filed Feb. 13, 2010,entitled “TACTICAL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A MULTI-CARTRIDGEFIRING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE WEAPON” which is incorporated by reference inits entirety and made part of this specification.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention relates to apparatus for mounting anelectric discharge weapon, generally, and more specifically to ahandheld apparatus for mounting a free-standing stationary orvehicle-mounted incapacitating device, which permits the mountedincapacitating device to be carried, aimed, and fired in a mannersimilar to a conventional firearm.

BACKGROUND

Less-lethal methods for subduing dangerous and potentially dangeroussubjects are desirable alternatives for law enforcement, security,corrections officers, and military personnel. In addition toconventional firearms, less-lethal methods, such as stun-guns, are oftendeployed by a military unit, law enforcement department, or correctionsstaff to broaden available options to subdue violent or dangeroussubjects. Some prior art electric discharge weapons require physicalcontact to deliver an electric arc between two electrodes, whichproduces significant localized pain when placed in physical contact witha subject. Other electric discharge weapons, such as handheld TASERbrand units, fire dart-like electrodes from a handheld apparatus,wherein the darts are tethered to wires which remain electricallyconnected to the handheld apparatus. The dart-like electrodes arepointed and barbed to penetrate clothing and remain in place aftercontact with the subject. Electrical current from the handheld apparatusand is delivered to the subject resulting in neuromuscularincapacitation which transiently disrupts normal neuromuscularfunctioning permitting the subject to be more-safely subdued.

Relatively recently, as alternatives to hand-held electric dischargeweapons, free-standing stationary units having a single or multiplearray of firing cells or cartridges have been described. Because theyfire several shots simultaneously, multi-cartridge electric dischargeweapons may be particularly useful to protect an area, provide crowdcontrol, or employed in specialized situations such as riot control.Additionally, multi-cartridge electric discharge weapons may be usefulin correctional facilities to control a variety of commonly-encounteredevents such as containing violent subjects, controlling violent prisonyard fights involving multiple combatants, and subduing subjects armedwith a weapon under circumstances where deadly force is not authorized.Additionally, the use of multi-cartridge firing units, mounted on avehicle, such a police vehicle, has been described as well. Withoutdoubt, stationary and vehicle-mounted multi-cartridge electric dischargeweapons offer law enforcement personnel valuable options.

In some cases, however, it may be advantageous to quickly move thesystem from a fixed status to a mobile hand-carried status. For example,moving the system may be required where a tactical decision is made toredefine an area of protection, or where hostile subjects are toonumerous or too dispersed for effective utilization. Additionally, insome cases, it may be necessary to rapidly move such a system to preventhostile subjects from acquiring control of the device. Furthermore,where the attendant tactical circumstances require, is desirable toprovide law enforcement personnel with an option to rapidly convert astationary or vehicle-mounted system into a system which may behand-carried, moved, and fired. Moreover, in some circumstances astationary or vehicle mounted system does not provide adequate targetingaccuracy. Human control of a multi-cartridge electrical discharge weaponmay permit a more refined, efficient, and safe application of force.Further, human control of a multi-cartridge electrical discharge weaponwill serve as a force-multiplier—allowing a single user to subdue arelatively large number of hostile subjects. Additionally, there areapplications to use a hand-held multi-cartridge electrical dischargeweapon in circumstances involving a single subject. A single cartridgeweapon requires that both electrodes make sufficient contact with thesubject to complete the circuit and subdue the subject. In contrast, ahand held multi-cartridge electrical discharge weapon (which can byexample, file 12 electrodes) dramatically increases the probability thatat least two of the electrodes will make sufficient contact to subduethe subject.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention permits a stationary electricdischarge weapon system to be quickly mounted on a hand-held apparatuspermitting the system to be transported, aimed, and fired where it istactically advantageous. Another aspect of certain embodiments of thepresent invention provides an apparatus which is customizable and allowsthe use of varied accessory equipment on the apparatus in conjunctionwith an electric discharge weapon. Further aspects of the presentinvention allow stationary or vehicle-mounted systems to be moreversatilely deployed and utilized by law enforcement personnel andothers. Another aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus whichpermits a user to hold, carry, and fire the apparatus as one would aconventional rifle. Another aspect of the invention discloses a methodfor converting a fixed multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon to ahand-held status.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded elevation view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, with handles attached.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the presentinvention with handles removed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the illustrations, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate apparatus 5which has a main frame 10 that in one embodiment, may be comprised ofsolid material such as metal, plastic, urethane, or other relativelyfirm material. In another embodiment frame 10 may be hollow or partiallyhollow. In one embodiment, frame 10 may be shaped to define a railmounting system 20, such as a Picatinny-style rail system.Alternatively, rail system 20 may be formed independently from the frameand attached thereto by, for example, welding, adhesive, and mechanicalaffixation with screws, rivets, and the like. Rail system, 20 may bestandardized to well-known rail system dimensions such as Picatinny orWeaver spacing dimensions, or may be customized to accommodate anydimensions. Rail system 20 may also be standardized to militaryspecifications for weapons using “Mil-spec” components. Rail system 20is spaced to allow the user to slide off and remove accessories withoutdisassembly of the entire apparatus.

In one embodiment, a machined rail system 20 may permit first handle 30to be rapidly attached and detached to frame 10 and moved horizontallyalong frame 10 to suit the user's positioning preference. Second handle40, may be similarly attached to frame 10. Electric discharge weaponfire control housing 50 is mounted on a recessed portion of frame 10shaped to accommodate control housing 50, as illustrated by FIGS. 1-5.In one embodiment, fire control housing 50 has a body 52 affixed toframe 10 and a fire control housing cover 54 reversibly affixed to saidbody 52. In one embodiment, cover may be affixed to housing body 52 bycountersunk screws, or may be snap fit. Cover 54 may be removed toexpose the inner surface of fire control housing body 52. It should benoted that in another embodiment, control housing may be locatedelsewhere on the frame.

A fire control unit from an available stationary electric dischargeweapon system, such as the Taser SHOCKWAVE, may placed within firecontrol housing body 52 and secured when housing cover 54 is reattached.It should be noted that various mechanisms to couple an available firecontrol unit to apparatus 5 are recognized. In an alternativeembodiment, frame 10 may shaped to define a receptacle to accommodate anavailable fire control unit, which may be slidably fit within. Inanother embodiment, available fire control unit may be clampablysecured. In yet another embodiment, an available fire control unit maybe reversibly coupled by a quick connect coupler. In another embodiment,fire control unit may be secured within a modified stock 60. In anotherembodiment, as illustrated by FIG. 6, an electric discharge weapon, suchas the SHOCKWAVE, is provided with a multi-strand wire having threadablecouplings on both ends; one end is threadably coupled to the housingcontaining the multiple firing cartridges, the second end is coupled tothe apparatus instead of the fire control unit. The weapon may then befired by trigger actuation. In one embodiment, illustrated by FIG. 5 ahandle exists opposite housing 50 to accommodate a sling.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is tailored to correspond to theSHOCKWAVE fire control unit manufactured by Taser Inc. specifically.When the SHOCKWAVE fire control unit is inserted and fully enclosedwithin control housing 50, apertures in housing 50 corresponding to theSHOCKWAVE switches, buttons, and indicator lamps, wherein switches allowthe SHOCKWAVE's switches, buttons, and lamps to be accessible and/orvisible to the user. In one embodiment, housing cover 54 is shaped todefine apertures including the safety arming switch aperture 150, firebutton aperture 155, which correspond to the switches and buttons of theSHOCKWAVE firing control unit specifically. Likewise, cover 54 includesa “charge” aperture 160, “re-energize” aperture 165, and “go” aperture170 corresponding indicator lights of the SHOCKWAVE fire control unitspecifically.

Stock 60 is mounted to the proximal end of frame 10, and in oneembodiment may be affixed by screw. In other embodiments, stock 60 maybe maintained in position through a variety of other methods including aspring peg engaging an aperture, friction fit, or a by detent lockingmechanism. In one embodiment, stock 60 may be foldable or collapsible,and in another embodiment, stock 60 may be detachable; folding orcollapsible stock solutions are well known and described in the priorart. In one embodiment, stock 60 may be affixed by a single fastener toallow a user to slide the stock off quickly by removing the singlefastener. In another embodiment, stock 60 may be folded to the left orright side to allow the user to shorten the overall length of apparatus5, which may be particularly useful when used in a confined space. Inone embodiment, stock 60 may be omitted which shortens the overalllength of the apparatus.

As seen by FIGS. 4 and 5, at the distal end of frame 10, mounting plate70 is disposed on the top surface of frame 10. An available aggregatearray of cartridges, such as the Taser SHOCKWAVE system, may be mountedon mounting plate 70. The mounting plate 70 may be varied in shape; inone embodiment, mounting plate 70 has a straight terminal aspect 72. Inan alternative embodiment, mounting plate 70 may have an arcuateterminal aspect. Varied shapes of the mounting plate may be useful inaccommodating different array orientation. For example, an arcuatemounting plate 72 may accommodate an array of firing cartridges orientedin a convex orientation (relative to the subject) which will result inan increase in dart spread when the system is actuated. In anotherembodiment, an arcuate mounting plate may have a concave orientationrelative to the subject which will result in an increase of dartconcentration toward the subject. In one embodiment, mounting plate 70may be screwably affixed to the top surface of frame 10 throughcountersink fasteners passing through two countersink apertures 14 inframe 10. In one embodiment, the bottom of the plate 70 is shaped todefine a recess to accommodate the relatively terminal top portion offrame 10. In other embodiments, mounting plate 70 may be affixed bywelding, adhesive, or other means, and in another embodiment, mountingplate 70 is integrally formed with frame 10.

In one embodiment, the terminal end 80 of frame 10 is sloped downwardly.In another embodiment, terminal end 80 of frame 10 may be shaped towithout a slope, and in still another embodiment end 80 may be slopedupwardly. The difference in slope of end 80, and mounting plate 70, willdetermine the flight angle—i.e. flight path of the dart relative to theground. This may be customized to achieve the desired dart trajectorywhen an attached electric discharge weapon system is actuated with theapparatus is held in a comfortable firing position. The desired slope ofthe distal end of frame 10 depends on variables such as the height ofthe user as well as subject distance and desired location for the dartsto strike the subject's body. In one preferred embodiment, mountingplate 70 is downwardly sloped 4 degrees was found to be useful.

In one embodiment, where an available aggregate array or firingcartridges contained has an array housing, with a mounting bracketattached to the housing, the mounting bracket may be boltably affixed tothe mounting plate 70 by bolt 90 passing through mounting aperture 92 onplate 70. Bolt 90 may pass through annular spacer 100 which is utilizedto secure the array, and may be comprised of a resilient material toabsorb shock, provide vibration control, and permit snug affixationbetween an available multi-cartridge array and plate 70. In oneembodiment spacer 100 may be comprised of plastic, or an improvedplastic polymer material such as polyoxymethylene—DELRIN.

Apparatus 5 is customizable and capable of receiving variousattachments. For example, an optional accessory 110 may be affixed to atleast a portion of rail system 20. Such accessories commonly can includea light, laser targeting system, or camera, or other equipment typicallyused in conjunction with law enforcement or hand-held weapon systems. Inone embodiment, illustrated by FIG. 6, rail system 20 may be located onthe top of frame 10. The rail system may be any number an on anylocation and length on frame 10. Optional equipment such as videorecording devices, audio recording devices, sighting systems, andlighting systems, and the like, may be placed on the top of apparatus 5.Accessories 110 having a coupling surface are slid on the rail systemand locked in a fashion well known in the prior art. Various lockingmeans may be employed to maintain the accessory 110 in a fixed positionrelative to rail system 20 including but not limited to thumbscrews,“rail grabbers” levers, or clamped onto slots between the raised sectionof the rail.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6, frame 10 is shapedto define a trigger well 120 and trigger 130. An electrical couplingpoint 140 is electrically connected to trigger 130. In this embodiment,the fire control unit, or components comprising the fire control unitare located within a hollow portion of the apparatus, which may includeframe 10 or stock 60. This embodiment permits the apparatus to betrigger-fired as a conventional firearm. In another embodiment, a datadownloading port allows an armorer technician to service andtroubleshoot the weapons system, record use data, and measure batterylife.

It will be recognized that variations in the composition of frame 10,fire control box 50, mounting plate 70, rail system 20, and stock 60,such as size, shape, and relative dimensions are possible andanticipated as included in the present invention. Further, while someembodiments herein are disclosed as components assembled together, thepresent invention may be integrally formed. For example one or moreelements such as stock 60, frame 10, mounting plate 70, handles 30and/or 40, and control box 50 may be integrally formed by, for example,thermoplastic injection molding or by an extrusion process.

In use, an available stationary or vehicle-mounted electric dischargeweapon, such as the SHOCKWAVE manufactured by Taser, Incorporated, maybe decoupled from any support legs or, where coupled to a vehicle,removed the vehicle. Fire control housing cover 54 is uncoupled fromfire control housing body 52 and the available fire control unit may beplaced within. Cover 54 may be replaced and fastened closed. Thumbaccess to the fire control unit's fire button may be achieved throughaperture 155 in of cover 54.

The available aggregate array of firing cartridges may be placed onspacer 100 and mounting plate 70 and fastened thereupon—in oneembodiment bolt 90 passes though the array housing of an available arrayand screwably affixes the array housing to mounting plate 70.

The user may carry apparatus 5 as a conventional weapon using firsthandle 30 and second handle 40. To discharge the weapon, the user aimsthe weapon in a conventional manner, removes the thumb from first handle30 and depresses the fire control unit's actuation button to dischargethe system.

The stationary or vehicle-mounted system may be decoupled from theapparatus in a similar reverse manner.

Turning now to FIG. 7, In one embodiment, a modified frame may beutilized to serve as a checkpoint mount. In this embodiment, checkpointmount 700 generally has a frame having a clamp member 705, which has ahand-screw and clamping element permitting clamp member 705 to bereversibly affixed on a structure such as a cement barricade.

Riser member 710, having a hand-screw, has a first end and second end.Riser member 710 may slidingly engage clamp member 705 and may befixable thereupon where hand-screw is tightened to secure the riser'sposition relative to clamp member 705. Riser member 710 is shaped todefine a plurality of riser locking apertures. Mounting platform 715 hasa seating surface 720, and platform 715 is pivotally coupled to thesecond end of riser 710 by pivot point 725 making platform 715 rotatable180 degrees in a plane perpendicular to riser 710. Mounting platform 715is shaped to define a plurality of locking platform apertures 730,allowing locking apertures and platform locking apertures 730 to alignduring rotation of platform 715. Locking pin 735 is capable ofreversibly inserting into riser and platform 730 locking apertures,whereupon platform 715 is locked into position. Mounting surface 740 iscoupled to seating surface 720, by countersunk bolts 745. Mountingsurface 740 may accommodate an array housing containing an array offiring cartridges. In one embodiment, multiple housing units may be usedtogether. For example, three SHOCKWAVE units, each housing 6 cartridges,may be attached to each other and mounted on mounting platform 715. Thiswould permit firing of 18 cartridges simultaneously.

Further disclosed is a method to convert a stationary or vehicle-mountedelectric discharge weapon from a fixed status to a hand-carried status.A multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon, such as the SHOCKWAVEmanufactured by Taser, Inc., is provided. The weapon system has a firecontrol unit having a fire button, and a plurality of firing cartridgeswhich simultaneously fire when the fire button is depressed and thesafety mechanism is disengaged. A multi-cartridge electric dischargeweapon, such as the SHOCKWAVE has a housing that contains the pluralityof firing cartridges. As is customary with the use of such weapons, itis set up in a fixed in a location—assembled with provided legs andstood in a location of interest, or disposed on a vehicle mount.

A hand-holdable apparatus 5 is provided which has a frame 10, at leastone handle 30 coupled to frame 10, and a mounting plate 70 coupled tosaid frame. A fire control housing 50 is affixed to said frame, whereinsaid fire control unit may be at least partially disposed within saidfire control housing 50, wherein the fire button is accessible throughthe fire control housing. The mounting plate 70 can accommodate theavailable housing containing the plurality of firing cartridges from aunit such as the SHOCKWAVE and the available housing may be reversiblyattached to mounting plate 70

Next, the multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon is removed from itsfixed location. In some circumstances this includes removing providedlegs attached to the unit, in other circumstances, the weapon isdetached from the vehicle mount. Next, the fire control unit is mountedin fire control housing 50, and next the housing containing theplurality of firing cartridges is mounted on mounting plate 70. Thehand-holdable apparatus 5 may be carried, aimed, and fired as a rifleand used to subdue one or more subjects.

The disclosed method of utilizing hand-held apparatus 5 with attachedweapon system may provide a greater firing accuracy, increasedprobability of striking a single subject, permits a single officer tosubdue a number of subjects, serves a force multiplier, and overallpermits a safer and more refined application of force.

It should be noted that various embodiments of the present invention maybe applied in a variety of fields. While reference has been made to lawenforcement applications, the apparatus may be utilized in anycircumstances where subdual of a human or animal subject is desired.Some example applications include but are not limited to: lawenforcement, corrections, veterinary medicine, animal control, as wellas a variety of military and paramilitary applications.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments, it should be understood that variousmodifications and variations can be easily made by those skilled in theart without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted asillustrative only and is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Itis further intended that any other embodiments of the present inventionthat result from any changes in application or method of use oroperation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which are notspecified within the detailed written description or illustrationscontained herein yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilledin the art are within the scope of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A tactical apparatus for mounting a multi-cartridge firingelectric discharge weapon, comprising: a frame having a first end andsecond end, said frame shaped to define a rail on at least one surface,wherein said rail may accept accessories fitted thereupon, wherein saidhousing is shaped to define a fire control housing recess; at least onehandle having a grip surface and a coupling surface, wherein thecoupling surface is adapted to slidably fit on said rail, wherein saidcoupling surface has locking means to permit said handle to engage saidrail, wherein said locking means, when engaged, prevents furthermovement on said handle; a fire control housing, having a body andcover, wherein the body is affixed to said fire control housing controlrecess, said cover securable to said body; wherein said housing mayaccommodate a fire control unit; a mounting surface coupled to thesecond end of said frame, wherein said mounting surface may accommodatean array housing containing an array of firing cartridges.
 2. Thetactical apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said firstend is shaped to define a stock.
 3. The tactical apparatus of claim 2,wherein said stock is foldable.
 4. The tactical apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a stock affixed to said first end.
 5. The tacticalapparatus of claim 4, wherein said stock is foldable.
 6. The tacticalapparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting surface comprises: adownwardly sloping mounting plate.
 7. The tactical apparatus of claim 6,wherein said plate is shaped to define a straight terminal aspect. 8.The tactical apparatus of claim 6, wherein said plate is shaped todefine an arcuate terminal aspect.
 9. The tactical apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an accessory, wherein at least of portion of saidaccessory contains a mounting that may slidingly engage said rail,wherein said mounting has a locking means to engage said rail.
 10. Thetactical apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame has a top surface andbottom surface, said frame shaped to define a rail on the top surfaceand a pair of rails on the bottom surface of said frame, wherein saidtop rail and bottom rail may accept accessories fitted thereupon,wherein said housing is shaped to define a fire control housing recess;wherein said fire control housing is shaped to define a fire buttonaperture, a safety arming switch aperture, a charge aperture, are-energize aperture, and go aperture, wherein said apertures correspondto the switches, buttons, and lamps of a SHOCKWAVE fire control unit; amounting surface coupled to the second end of said frame, wherein saidmounting surface may accommodate an array housing containing an array offiring cartridges and a mounting bracket, wherein said mounting surfaceis downwardly sloped 4 degrees, wherein said mounting plate is shaped todefine mounting apertures, further comprising an annular spacer, whereinsaid spacer is disposed upon said mounting plate, further comprising abolt passing through spacer and mounting aperture, wherein the arrayhousing may be secured to said mounting plate by said bolt, wherein themounting bracket is boltably affixed to said mounting plate.
 11. Amethod of converting a stationary or vehicle-mounted electric dischargeweapon from a fixed status to a hand-carried status, comprising:providing a multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon, wherein saidweapon has a fire control unit having a fire button, and a plurality offiring cartridges, a housing containing the plurality of firingcartridges; fixing the multi-cartridge discharge weapon in a fixedlocation; providing a hand-holdable apparatus having a frame, at leastone handle coupled to said frame, a mounting plate, wherein said housingcontaining the plurality of firing cartridges may be reversibly attachedto said mounting plate; a fire control housing affixed to said frame,wherein said fire control unit may be at least partially disposed withinsaid fire control housing, wherein said fire button is accessiblethrough the fire control housing; removing the multi-cartridge dischargeweapon from its fixed location; mounting said fire control unit in theapparatus fire control housing; mounting said housing containing theplurality of firing cartridges on the mounting plate; wherein saidhand-holdable unit may be carried, aimed, and fired as a rifle, whereinsaid hand-holdable unit may be used to subdue one or more subjects. 12.The method according to claim, 11, wherein said fixing step furthercomprises: providing attachable legs, wherein said legs couple to saidmulti-cartridge discharge weapon, wherein said weapon with attached legsis an assembled stationary weapon which may be stood upon legs andpositioned, wherein said removing the multi-cartridge discharge weaponfrom its fixed location comprises: removing said legs from the assembledstationary weapon.
 13. The method according to claim, 11, wherein saidfixing step further comprises: providing a vehicle mount, wherein saidhousing containing the plurality of firing cartridges may be fixed tosaid mount, wherein removing the multi-cartridge discharge weapon fromits fixed location comprises: removing said housing containing theplurality of firing cartridges from said mount.
 14. A tactical apparatusfor mounting a multi-cartridge firing electric discharge weapon,comprising: a frame having a clamp member; a riser member having a firstend and second end, wherein said riser member may slidingly engage saidclamp member, wherein said riser member is shaped to define a pluralityof riser locking apertures; a mounting platform having a seatingsurface, said platform pivotally coupled to the second end of said risermember and rotatably movable thereupon, wherein said mounting platformis shaped to define a plurality of locking platform apertures, whereinsaid riser locking apertures and platform locking apertures may alignduring rotation; a locking pin capable of reversibly inserting into saidriser and platform locking apertures; a mounting surface coupled to theseating surface, wherein said mounting surface may accommodate an arrayhousing containing an array of firing cartridges; wherein said mountingplatform and mounting surface may rotate, wherein the rotational planeis 180 degrees perpendicular to said riser, wherein said mountingplatform and mounting surface may be locked when said locking pin isinserted into said aperture.